2 Samuel 2:26

Abner called out to Joab, “Must the sword devour forever? Don’t you realize that this will end in bitterness? How long before you order your men to stop pursuing their fellow Israelites?”

A contest of strength was held during a power struggle between the armies of David and Saul, and things escalate into a bloodbath between men who knew each other well. Violence only creates more violence, and the sword knows no end to its thirst. This story ends with tragedy, as Joab kills and is killed. It also reminds us that mercy is the only thing that can end the path of bloodshed, for each act of vengeance is only met with another.